Paradise of Infinity: 345

Title: Revelation Time

There’s a lot to unpack. But one thing Nik knows is not to let up his guard at the last moment. However, before that…

“Boris,” leaning from the corner, Nik requests with a kind expression. “Could you lend me a pair of pants?”

“Nyet.”

“Micael?”

“Nope.”

“Tris?”

“Non.”

“Tadaomi?”

“Unlikely.”

“... so much for saving you assholes. At least can I get shorts?” The worst thing is the students didn’t move their bags. So, everything is burnt into ashes. As shameless as Nik might be, he would hate to flash children.

“Well, I can give you my panties,” Revy shrugs as Nik loses further faith in humanity. He would consider Revy’s panties if they weren’t already inches from being regarded as thongs! What’s the point if his ass, and possibly, his balls, are on display?

“Give him your boxers, Dom,” Boris pinches the bridge of his nose as Dom shrugs. “I hope you like anchor-printed boxers.” The man walks behind the edge as everyone hears the shuffling of clothes.

“Woah.” They hear Dom snark, “You’re harming Kapitan with that? We ought to gun him down, Sergeant!”

Saki lowers her head as her face heats up. However, she blinks. Kapitan? Who’s that?

“Are they talking about that, Bitch-Sensei?” Yuma idly questions since the few students aren’t adept in the English language, as Irina blinks.

“Do not answer that,” Tadaomi grunts.

“Oh, please,” Irina rolls her eyes, not bothering with Tadaomi’s stern nature. “Talking about penis is the last thing you should care about. And yes, it’s a penis. Get over it.” The blonde snorts and sweeps her gaze over the intrigued students, including the lone survivor of Class 3-D (Senior High.)

“Can’t you take your boxers off quietly?” Nik grumbles in response. Before long, Nik appears to the group in a pair of dark blue boxers with anchors printed on the surface.

“So…” Nik clears his throat. “I’m sure you kids have a lot of questions—”

“Why the fuck did you bench me?” Revy snorts.

“Did you show us your ass to seduce us? Is it a new tactic, Pedo-Sensei?” Karma snickers.

“When can we leave?” Yor demands.

“Can I see Young Master?” Rosarita questions.

“W-Why the anchors?” Saki lowers her head, unable to resist eyeing the lower spot.

“Are you an alien, Nik-Sensei?” Koro’s voice emerges from the toilet.

Nik works his jaws before firing off. “I benched you because I don’t want to see you get hurt. Bitch about it for all I care, or shoot me. No, I did not expose myself to seduce anyone. That was an accident. And stop calling me Pedo-Sensei. We can leave in a while. I’ll also release everyone abducted. I don’t know why Dom wore anchor-printed boxers. And no, I’m not an alien… I hope. Is there anything else? Or may I continue?”

The students grow silent, noticing the distinct lack of amusement in the usually cheery Sensei’s voice. Nik nods before continuing.

Nik stares at everyone before sighing. He’s going to take the simple way out. It MIGHT cause some issues with Revy and others. However, Nik also cares about the students. They have seen and experienced things that might make them… less cheerful. ‘It’s like using it on Genta all over again,’ Nik compares. His usual violet orbs take a midnight blue shade as he meets everyone’s eyes except Revy, Rosarita, Shenhua, Yor, and Faye. Koro is inside the toilet. But that’s beside the point. Nik wouldn’t have used this skill on the yellow creature even if his mental stat was higher than Class 3-E’s homeroom teacher.

Nik momentarily falters before leaving Irina and Saki out of his action, only pulling Tadaomi in. It’s selfish, yes. But Irina and Saki have shown sufficient interest in him. Knowing the taboos surrounding [Twilight Thief]—the unwillingness to tamper with his lovers’ minds, Nik keeps them out. What if things develop? Irina and Saki may forget it all, but Nik will be left with regrets, something he doesn’t plan to accumulate further.

“You all forgot what happened,” Nik whispers as flames cover his fist to shower light in the compartment. Drawn by his gaze, others’ expressions numb. “You all fell unconscious and only woke up hours later.”

Everyone, including Boris and his men, sit or lie on the ground. Feeling the others’ stares, Nik offers a wry smile. “So, Irina and Saki, please follow the same story.”

The women blink before looking around.

“You… did that?” Shenhua whispers. Her usually confident appearance falters as the woman appears quite… distant. Well, that’s the natural reaction.

“Oh, kiss my ass,” Revy suddenly snorts. “What kind of manipulator would show his hand?” She frowns and flips Shenhua off. “Say one thing about what happened here, and I’ll fill ya with lead!”

“You’re okay?” Nik blinks.

“Okay?” Revy lets the word warm her mouth before snarling. “OKAY?! Look around, asshole! Who’s OKAY?!” She scoffs before leaning against the wall. “You’ll have hell to pay if you benched me for no reason and still didn’t get Dutch.”

“What about Benny?” Nik questions.

“This ain’t about him,” Revy rolls her eyes. Poor Benny. However, Nik knows Revy does care deep down in her smoke-filled heart.

“Was that hypnotism?” Irina crosses her arms under her bust. “I hope you aren’t using this ability to violate the students’ innocence.”

Nik and Revy gaze at her with judgment—YOU don’t get to say that.

“It was one mistake!” Irina bristles. “Besides, this country’s age of consent is already weird enough. You all don’t get to blame me.”

“I have a question,” Rosarita speaks. “Did you control our minds that night?” She settles her blue eyes on Revy, who blinks.

“I don’t control minds for sex,” Nik states plainly before sitting down. “Look. I can’t control what you think. It’s not because I’m incapable. It’s because I don’t want to.”

“Why?” Revy demands pointedly.

“Why?” Nik gazes at her until she looks away. “I suppose I like you.”

“Oh my~!” Koro’s coo echoes from the toilet, making Nik snap, “Not you, Octopus!”

“We just met,” Faye drawls. “But I appreciate the kindness.”

“Shove it,” Nik scoffs. “What’s the point of suggesting your minds? You all have already experienced more than I can imagine. Saki…” He glances at the girl, who almost jumps out of her skin.

“Are you going to be fine?” Nik questions. “I can help if you want to forget what happened here. All this… it’s not something a student should keep in her mind.”

“Well,” Irina frowns. “Why didn’t you control her mind and do just that?”

“Wait!” Saki hastily interjects. “Please! I don’t want to forget! I… Nik-Sensei, I…”

“No need to feel so guilty,” Nik reaches out and firmly pats her shoulder. “I’m—”

“Ten bucks say he’s going to fuck the girl,” Revy speaks in English. And here’s the thing…

Saki has seen enough Western media to know what Revy said. She lowers her head as Irina snorts. “So, it’s a sin when I do it?”

“Well,” Rosarita frowns. “I hope you do it after we all get out. I would first like to ensure Young Master’s safety.”

“We never got a chance, bad boy,” Shenhua tilts her head.

Saki’s vision almost falters as more and more people pile on. J-Just how many women want to sleep with Nik-Sensei?

‘Wait. Nik-Sensei didn’t erase my memories. Does he want to…’ She glances at Nik, who shamelessly shrugs. While he may say many things, his actions have always followed the rule of go big or go home. Even now, he took enough risks for some reason.

“So… how do we get out?” Faye suddenly questions.

“About that…” Nik gups before chucking nervously. “I tried a few methods, but we’re… stuck.”

“Stuck?” Rosarita frowns.

“Hard on hearing?” Revy retorts. “We’re stuck. As in the position you experience once you try taking clothes out of the washing machine, Slutty Maid.”

“I expect you to know all about it, Rundy,” Rosarita narrowed her eyes.

Nik could use metalbending before to unbolt the train compartments. However, the sheer heat from the Frenzied Flame’s attack melted everything into one compartment. Nik ignores the bickering duo. It was hard to metalbend a few bolts due to the Scar of Finite. The surface around them is influenced by a Rank 9 Host—Finite. Like the Frenzied Flames, Nik needs to be sufficiently mighty to counter the influence alone, much less their existence.

‘Can I lavabend it?’ Nik suddenly thinks of a method. Others turn silent the second Nik stands. Intense violet light flashes through his eyes, surprising everyone as he uppercuts the air. Only… the train trembles.

Sure, Nik cannot harm the cover of Finite from the inside. But it is extraordinarily fragile in what Nik considers the ‘middle’ space—the area between the interior and the exterior.

*Tssssss*

A jet of lava suddenly surges from the compartment’s exit before the world around them brightens. However, before Nik completely demolishes the space, he glances at the toilet and whispers something softly, controlling the air around him to ensure only the occupant hears him.

<<<>>>

[Host expelled from the Scare of Finite. Recovered all functions.]

[Paradise Host: Duck-Tape—is no longer in Paradise’s rank. Remaining Teams: 5; Remaining Members: 8.]

[Paradise Host: GOTY-13—is no longer in Paradise’s rank. Remaining Teams: 4; Remaining Members: 5.]

[Paradise Host: I-Will-Save-Maiden—is no longer in Paradise’s rank. Remaining Teams: 3; Remaining Members: 4.]

[A Scar of Infinity incorporated.]

[A Scar of Infinity incorporated.]

Nik blinks as others suddenly fall unconscious. A familiar presence approaches the ruined train in the middle of the tracks as Nik smiles. His gaze falls on another notification.

Everything was… worth it.

[Objective: To Deviate From the Intended Course of World, Find a Way to Save The Former High Table Assassin—Grim Reaper

Mission Rank: 6

Rewards: 3x Diamond Mystery Boxes; 2x Gold Mystery Box; 1x Silver Mystery Box]

[Status: Successful.]

[Rewards Issued.]

Nik almost cries tears of joy. He wasn’t wrong. His luck might be shitty, but surviving his ordeals has always been beneficial…

—except for that primordial bastard Regret, whose consequences haunted him until a few hours ago.

However, something new happens.

[Partnership detected. Saving the rewards in a temporary holding space for the partners to discuss the division of rewards.]

The Paradise doesn’t distribute the rewards but leaves it to the partners to decide. That’s acceptable, thinks Nik. He deserves a more generous share since he feels he did most of the work.

He momentarily ignores this issue before glancing at the approaching figure—white hair, blue eyes, aged features, and a mechanical body.

Accu-mulet.

[Accu-mulet: I’m glad you survived.]

“Are you?” Nik smiles. Accu-mulet looks around before adopting a sigh. “I used my local contact to close off the area. The World Union and the Underworld really wish for the target’s disappearance. Though, looking at the objective list, you did something different.”

Nik chuckles. “It was a sudden decision.”

Indeed. Nik realized midway that the objective of saving Koro had a time limit. It also means that Nik can save Koro in this period. But how? It’s a vague term—save. Can Nik earn the reward by saving Koro from a disease? What about his porn addiction? However, Nik soon understood that Koro is… well, invincible. It’s only inside the train Nik realizes that keeping Koro from getting killed in his weakened state might contribute to it being considered the fulfillment of the other objective!

Between saving and killing, Nik prefers the former. He’ll profit either way. Heck! Nik is calm enough to know he can STILL kill Koro and get the other rewards, too. After all, in the last world, killing Ozai did not remove the hit from Aang. These missions are exclusive!

“I am sorry,” Accu-mulet shrugs. “I hope you understand my intentions weren’t to harm you—”

“You wanted to kill your partner,” Nik nods. “Like Lava-Head and Managed-Ant, you wanted to get rid of your partner. But to waste so many valuable resources…”

“Joseph, no, GOTY-13 and I performed the Debtor’s Gratitude.”

Nik glances at the back of his right palm with that. Although unaffected by this constraint, the Debt’s mark disappears entirely. Meanwhile, Accu-mulet continues.

“You’re aware of how the partners are formed based on our bloodlines,” The other party says something that instantly intrigues Nik. Bloodline? The incubus discreetly glances at the succubus. “So, GOTY-13 and I were in the same boat due to me regressing my bloodline to the Common Rank and her never evolving her bloodline once. I’d hoped to kill her through other hosts. After all, one of the hosts I spent a lot inviting was influenced by the Chaotic One, the summoner of Frenzied Flames.”

“But you couldn’t put a hit on GOTY-13,” Nik nods.

“Indeed,” Accu-mulet sighs. The host shakes his head before beaming, “But the costs were worth it. May I know who killed my partner?”

“I did,” Nik nods. “And I hope for a fair compensation.”

“Compensation?” Accu-mulet glimpses. “Pardon me?”

“You’re pardoned,” Nik moves his shoulders as he grunts and stretches his arms. “You’re a merchant, right? I performed a service. Of course, I expect compensation.”

Accu-mulet narrows his eyes as Nik smirks. “No need to be coy. You know what kind of influence is necessary to reduce the Scar of Finite to… this.” he gestures to his surroundings.

“I don’t sense any Deity,” Accu-mulet sighs. “A Paradox that opposes binding restrictions and limitations of Finite. Also… a Lavabender. You survived the world of Primordial Spirits.”

The host nods. “That’s a fair demand. Besides, we both exchanged contacts. We might eventually need each other. So, there’s no need to sour our relationship over a dead host. What would you like?”

Nik considers for a moment before sending a message.

[Nut-Cracking-Messiah: A skill. I need a support skill that can accommodate several power systems.]

[Accu-mulet: Not many skills of this nature exist. It’s because of the natural restraint of the power systems against each other. However, Prana-Bindu is the best support you may need, and something I extensively practiced when I possessed a fleshy body.]

[Nut-Cracking-Messiah: What’s Prana-Bindu?]

[Accu-mulet: An all-inclusive training of mental, emotional, and physical control. It’s heavily modified over the years, and I’ve made a point to keep the latest copy due to its value. Beings capable of consciously manipulating energy can efficiently train in this skill and reduce the years necessary to master the training to as low as a few months.]

Nik grows silent.

[Nut-Cracking-Messiah: I also want to use an appraisal on the training manual.]

Accu-mulet smiles, nodding.

After a while, Accu-mulet leaves the world. Meanwhile, Nik checks his phone before calling someone.

“Hey. Yeah, I found it’s done. Don’t kill that man… thanks. Heh. Nah. That revolver is mine.”

Nik ends the call with a tired smirk.

“Could you do me another favor, Korosensei?” Nik glances at the toilet as Koro emerges. Nik asked Koro to stay inside and remain a mental deterrent to Accu-mulet. Nik doesn’t know how things would have ended if he didn’t choose to save Koro. Perhaps Accu-mulet would have extorted the rewards from Nik and Ray.

However, choosing to save Koro helped Nik more than he imagined.

Prana-Bindu…

What a dangerous skill.

“Yes, Nik-Sensei?” Koro snickers, feeling more than relieved. This train ride might have been the most dangerous thing Koro had experienced since he became like this.

“I’m super tired,” Nik walks to the edge of the tracks before stretching his arms. He falls to the ground with an exhausted chuckle. “Could you…”

“Yes, Nik-Sensei,” Koro smirks.

“Hmm. And don’t touch them inappropriately. I might get angry and destroy your stash.”

“Ack!” Koro laughs before questioning. “How are you feeling, Nik-Sensei? I’m a little envious. I hoped to eventually help you and make you owe me a favor.”

Nik’s smile widens as he recalls the time he checked papers with Koro the day after he almost attacked Irina.

He recalls Koro’s question—“What would you like, Nik-Sensei?”

At the time, Nik pinned his hopes on Koro and teaching the kids to find his answer. That was a mistake, not because Koro is incompetent. However, Nik unconsciously became used to others’ kindness. That was a grave error. Now? Even when he asks for Koro’s help, it’s not asking for kindness. It’s almost a return of favor.

That day, Nik’s answers to his desires had been what he achieved today.

“I can finally do it, Koro-Sensei,” Nik starts laughing. “I can kill without being hateful…”

“It’s… a relief,” Nik stares at the blue sky.

“Yes,” Koro offers a knowing grin. “That’s the kind of killing intent that’s the most refreshing—a peaceful one. I’m also grateful for what you did for the students.”

“Heh. You should be.” Nik snickers before disappearing. Meanwhile, Koro’s body begins to move everyone from the wreckage.

<<<>>>

Kyoto Station.

The usually packed station is empty. Masked men in sharp black suits form a perimeter with guns in their hands.

In between these men is an inconspicuous middle-aged man.

Suddenly, a notification sound echoes from his pocket as the man glances at the screen.

[A fair warning. I have no use for you and am leaving.]

The man’s eyes widen.

“No!” he shouts. “We had a deal!” He furiously dials a number, only to be unable to contact the other party.

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang* *Bang* *Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

Loud gunshots alert everyone as a small militaristic group attacks the large crowd of unprepared men. From within, a scarred, blonde woman in a wine-red skirt suit and a Russian military coat draped over her shoulders steps towards the stunned man.

A crooked grin appears on her scarred face. Balalaika’s blue eyes shimmer with mockery as she draws her pistol.

“White Death,” she informs. “You made bed with the wrong party.”

Ray wants this man alive.

What a joke…

Sofia rests her finger on the trigger.

‘About time those two bastards realize I’m not their grunt. But… there are smarter ways to do that than kill White Death instead of controlling him and the whole country.’ She lowers her gun before shooting his kneecaps.

As White Death screams and grasps his knee, Sofia looks around.

‘Yep. As expected. It’s no longer exciting.’

She was never a conqueror.

‘A phase, perhaps?’ the woman smirks and sits on the seat the White Death once sat on.

“Round them up,” she idly orders.

‘What else is there if not violence?’ She considers deeply. ‘The bastards following me won’t just stop even if we put down the gun. Money? Power?’ Having had both of these things, Sofia is aware of how quickly all of it feels empty. Heck. She has so much money, power, and free time that she began editing porn.

The woman leans her head back before lighting a cigar. A deep unwillingness to move from her seat emerges from the depths of her heart.

What should she move for?

She unlocks her phone and scrolls through it.

Her finger rests on a snap before she taps and enlarges it.

It’s Nik’s, Ray’s, and Revy’s photo. Ray’s between them as Nik hugs an annoyed Revy’s shoulder, flexing his free bicep. A few words tag the picture.

[Be sure to compensate the Dundies if things go smoothly. Ps: Revy’s a guest member.]

“Kapitan?”

Sofia exhales a plume of smoke, still impassive. “Hmm. Let’s go.” She moves from her seat.

***

Alternate Title: The Biggest Winner of the Contest; Forcing Himself Out; Avoiding Casual Drama Routes; Not Controlling The Mind; Efficient Method; Some Pants, Please; Nik To Average Hentai MC: You Mind Control For Sex, I Mind Control For Boxers. We’re Not The Same; Saki Getting The Looks; Nik As He Builds Harem: Go Big And Into Your Mother’s Home; Giant Sun Sheds a Tear of Joy; The Best Support Skill; The OG Jedi Ways: Dominatrix Sex; Prana Bindu: Sex Edition; The Bene Gesserit Trembles At The Thought of a Prana Bindu Incubus; Lavabending Goes Brrr; Poor I-Will-Save-Maiden; Worlds Added; Scars Joined; Accu-mulet’s Plan; Nik Saving The Backup In Toilet; Nik: I Like You *Koro: O-Oh (Lowers His Head Shyly) Y-Yes*— Revy Wakes From Her Nightmare; Revy and Rosarita Getting Along Swimmingly Well; Using Potential To Extort Accu-mulet; There’s No Fairness, Only Weak And Strong; Doing Things His Way; Saving Koro—Stonks; Mission COMPLETE; Nik: All According To Keikaku; Sokka Shed Tears of Pride And Joy; Playing Smart and Risky; Prana Bindu: The Revised Edition; Relieved; Doing What He Wants; Not Hateful; Ja Sun: A Calm Killing Intent? Real Shit; Nik: Imma Hurt You Emotionally If Your Tentacles Do Any Weird Shit; Balalaika Becomes a… Sage?; Sofia: What Do I Want? Money? Power? No. All I Wanted Was a Di—; The Dundies Rise; Revy: The Fuck I Am a Dundy; What’s Better Than a Tsundere? *Nik: A Tsundere That Can Gun Me Down*; The End

***

A/N: So, it’s a little tidbit for Elden Ring fanatics. I-Will-Save-Maiden is created as a failed host who wants to save Melina in Elden Ring by accepting the Frenzied Flames. He knew how to remove its influence using the needle in the boss arena. However, he underestimated the outer god, allowing the ‘Outer’ Chaos to enter the Paradise without needing to accept their rules.